Window structure



May 16, 1967 D. c. MUESSEL WINDOW STRUCTURE Filed Sept. 1, 1965 W 777mm, 44km! United States Patent 3,319,381 WINDOW STRUCTURE Dan C. Muessel, Niles, Mich, assignor to American Metal Climax, Inc., New York, N.Y., a corporation of New York Filed Sept. 1, 1965, Ser. No. 484,197 8 Claims. (Cl. 49430) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This invention relates to window structures and, more particularly, to a window structure formed of metal building elements and provided with operating sash.

The present invention may be considered an improvement over the window structure disclosed and claimed in my earlier Patent No. 3,181,204 assigned to the same assignee as the present invention. As therein disclosed, there is shown and claimed a window structure including a window frame formed of interconnected frame members to provide sash openings for the operable window sash. The frame members forming the sash openings are provided with inner and outer transversely spaced seal portions with the inner seal portion extending entirely around the perimeter of the openings. The outer portions of the sashand frame are not sealed entirely around the perimeter of the window but longitudinal slots or gaps extend adjacent the lower edge of the window to fully exhaust the space between the seals to the outside atmosphere and thereby provide pressure equalizing means for the space between the inner and outer seals of the window.

It has been found that by providing a relatively large pressure equalizing slot the tendency for drawing water through the seal is minimized. However with such a large pressure equalizing slot, water running down the surface of the building or rain falling against the sill tends to splash against the inner lower seal. Moreover particular difliculty exists when the invention is applied to vertically slideable windows because of air entering the pressure equalizing slot and running up the sides of the window between the inner sash and the frame to infiltrate into the building.

Accordingly it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved window structure having improved sealing characteristics over those discussed above.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved window structure having operating sash which minimizes the leakage of water around the sash.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved window structure of the type having an operating sash wherein leakage of water around the sash is mimimized under adverse conditions in which the inner wall of the building is at a vacuum relative to the air pressure outside of the building.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved window structure.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved vertically slideable operating ICC window which minimizes the leakage or infiltration of air or water around the inner sash.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent as the following description proceeds and the features of novelty which characterize the invention will be pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this specification.

In accordance with the present invention there is provided an operating window assembly including a frame defining a sash opening and having a lower outwardly sloped sill member. A vertical inner flange element extends upwardly from the sill member to support an inner sealing gasket intermediate its length and above the bottom of the sill. A sash in the opening is provided with an inner element adapted to seat against the gasket. The gasket cooperates with other sealing means around the inner surface of the window to provide complete sealing around the sides and lower perimeter of the window sash. An outwardly spaced outer flange element extends from the lower sash member terminating above the sill member to define a pressure equalizing slot. In a preferred embodiment, an inwardly and downwardly extending web element extends from the inner surface of the spaced outer vertical flange element terminating above the sill member.

Moreover vertically or slideably operating window sash employ counterbalance means which are conventionally circular in cross section so that there is an open path for the air from the pressure equalizing slot to travel between the side sash members and the side frame members and through the upper opening around the counterbalance means. Accordingly another feature of the present invention provides D-shaped counterbalance means and D- shaped filler plugs are secured to opposite ends of the inner sash, each having a D-shaped opening closely receiving a respective one of the D-shaped counterbalance means thereby defining a weatherseal between the side sash members and the side frame members around the D-shaped counterbalance means.

Advantageously the sealing gasket in the sill member is in contact across the full Width of the window, cutting off just at the end of the window and minimizing air infiltration. Moreover by supporting the sealing gasket intermediate the length of the leg, the sealing gasket is raised up out of any water on thesill thereby minimizing seepage of water around the sealing gasket. The web element on the inside of the lower flange of the sill member cuts off the splash of outer surface water or rain striking the seal. Additionally the special D-shaped filler plug prevents air infiltration between the sash and the frame and additionally prevents side motion of the window in its tracks.

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference may be had to the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is an outer front view of a window structure according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the window structure of FIG. 1, taken along line 22 of FIG. 1 drawn to a larger scale than FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary cross sectional view of the window structure of FIG. 1, taken along line 33 of FIG. 1, and drawn to a larger scale than FIG. 1.

Referring now to the drawings, there is shown an operating window assembly 10 according to the present invention and including a window frame 12 and a pair of vertically slideable operating window sash 14 and 15. conventionally the window frame 12 includes an upper head member 17, a lower sill member 18, and a pair of spaced vertical side frame members 19 intercom necting the head and sill members. The window sash 14 and 15 each conventionally includes upper sash members 22, 23 respectively, lower sash members 24, 25 respectively, and a pair of spaced vertical side sash members 26, 27 respectively interconnecting the respective upper and lower sash members.

In accordance with the present invention the sill member 18 has a generally outwardly and downwardly sloping bottom element 18a and a vertical inner flange element 18b extending upwardly from the bottom element 18a. A Web element 180 extends generally upwardly and outwardly from the inner surface of the inner flange element 18b spaced above the bottom element 18a and defining a channel 29 for receiving a sealing gasket 30, FIG. 2. Moreover the lower sash member 24 of the inner sash 14 includes an inner flange or element 24a seating against the sealing gasket 30 to provide a lower peripheral seal between the sash 14 and the frame 12.

It will be appreciated that the sealing gasket 30 is supported above the bottom element 18a above any water which might work its way against the inner flange element 18b thereby minimizing seepage of water over the sealing gasket 30.

According to another feature of the present invention, the lower sash member 24 of the inner sash 14 is provided with an outwardly spaced outer vertical flange element 32, FIG. 2, extending downwardly and terminating above the bottom element 18a of the sill member 18 to provide a large pressure equalization slot 33 between the sash member 24 and the sill 18.

To minimize the splash of surface water running down the window or other water falling on the sill 18, there is provided an inwardly and downwardly extending Web element 34 extending from the inner surface of the outer flange element 32 intermediate its length and terminating above the bottom element 18a of the sill member 18. The web element 34 is effective to intercept splash rain and surface water from striking against the sealing gasket 30.

In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, there is illustrated operable window sash which are slideable vertically. To this end there is provided inner and outer confronting spaced tracks 36, 37 defined in the opposite side frame members 19 and receiving the inner and outer window sash 14, 15 respectively. Moreover in order to provide for holding the sash in any desired elevation, there is provided a pair of generally D-shaped counterbalances 38, 39 best shown in FIG. 3. In a normal operation of the window, the lower sash 14 is sealed across the bottom by the gasket 30, up its sides by suitable weatherseal between the side sash members 26 and the frame 12, and is sealed relative to the outer sash 15 through an interlock 41, FIG. 2, and suitable weatherseal 42. However, air infiltrating through the pressure equalization slot 33 can travel upwardly between the side sash member 26 and side frame member 19. To block ingress of air in this passageway, there is provided a pair of filler plugs 44 of nylon or other suitable material secured to opposite upper ends of the inner sash 14 and each having a generally D-shaped slot or opening 45, FIG. 3, closely receiving a respective one of the D-shaped counterbalances 38 and secured to the sash in any suitable manner as with the metal screws 46'. Advantageously the filler plugs 44 prevent air infiltration around the upper end of the inner sash 14 and additionally prevent side movement of the window sash 14 between its tracks 36.

It will be seen that according to the present invention there is provided a vertically slideable operating window having improved resistance to air and water leakage. This is accomplished by raising the inner lower gasket between the inner sash and the frame sill above any water accumulation up out of the water below the sash, and additionally by providing a comparatively large pressure equalization slot. Moreover the splash guard web 34 on the outer flange of the window sash is effective to minimize the splash of water against the sealing gasket 30*. The nylon filler plugs 44 minimize the infiltration of air between the side sash members and the side frame members.

Although the present invention has been described by reference to only a single embodiment thereof, it will be apparent that numerous other modifications and embodiments may be devised by those skilled in the art, and it is intended by the-appended claims to cover all such modifications andembodiments which will fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. An operating window assembly comprising a frame defining a sash opening and formed of horizontal frame members defining an upper head member and a sill member, and a pair of vertical side frame members interconnecting said horizontal frame members, said sill mem ber having an outwardly sloping bottom element and a vertical inner flange element extending upwardly from said bottom element, sealing gasket means secured adjacent said inner flange element, a sash portion in said opening operatively associated with said frame and including a sash frame formed of upper and lower horizontal sash members and a pair of vertical side sash members interconnecting said horizontal sash members, said lower sash member including an inner element adapted to seat against said sealing means, an outwardly spaced outer vertical flange element terminating above said sill member to define a pressure equalizing slot therebetween, and an inwardly and downwardly extending web element extending from the inner surface of said outer vertical flange element and terminating above said sill member.

2. A vertically slideable operating window assembly comprising a frame defining a sash opening and including a lower sill member, said sill member having a vertical inner flange element extending upwardly from said bottom element, sealing gasket means secured adjacent said inner flange element, a vertically slideable sash portion in said opening operatively associated with said frame having a lower sash member including an inner element adapted to seat against said sealing means, an outwardly spaced outer vertical flange element terminating above said sill member to define a pressure equalizing slot therebetween, and an inwardly and downwardly extending web element extending from the inner surface of said outer vertical flange element and terminating above said sillmember.

3. An operating window assembly comprising a frame defining a sash opening including a lower sill member, inner sealing gasket means secured to said sill member, a sash portion in said opening operatively associated with said frame and including a lower horizontal sash member having an inner element adapted to seat against said sealing means, an outwardly spaced outer vertical flange element terminating above said sill member to define a pressure equalizing slot therebetween, and an inwardly and downwardly extending web. element extending from the inner surface of said outer vertical. flange element and terminating above said sill member.

4. An operating window assembly comprising a frame defining a sash opening and formed of horizontal frame members defining an upper head member and a sill member, and a pair of vertical side frame members interconnecting said horizontal frame members, said sill member having an outwardly sloping bottom element and a vertical inner flange element ertending upwardly from said bottom element, a web element extending generally upwardly and outwardly from said inner flange element and spaced above said bottom element defining a channel for receiving seal gasket means, sealing gasket means in said channel, a sash portion in said opening operatively associated with said frame and including a sash frame formed of upper and lower horizontal sash members and a pair of vertical side sash members interconnecting said horizontal sash members, said lower sash member including an inner element adapted to seat against said sealing means, and an outwardly spaced vertical flange element extending downwardly lower than said inner element and terminating above said bottom element to define a pressure equalizing slot therebetween.

5. An operating window assembly as set forth in claim 4 above and additionally including an inwardly and downwardly extending web element extending from the inner surface of said outwardly spaced vertical flange element.

6. An operating window assembly comprising a frame defining a sash opening and including a sill member, said sill member having a bottom element and a vertical inner flange element extending upwardly from said bottom element, a web element extending generally upwardly and outwardly from said inner flange element and spaced above said bottom element defining a channel for receiving seal gasket means, sealing gasket means in said channel, a sash portion in said opening operatively associated with said frame and including a lower horizontal sash member, said lower sash member including an inner element adapted to seat against said sealing means and an outwardly spaced vertical flange element terminating in spaced relation above said bottom element to provide a pressure equalizing slot therewith.

7. A vertically slideable operating window sash comprising a frame defining a sash opening and formed of horizontal frame members defining an upper head member and a sill member, and a pair of vertical side frame members interconnecting said horizontal frame members, said sill member having an outwardly sloping bottom element and a vertical inner flange element extending upwardly from said bottom element sealing gasket means secured adjacent said inner flange, said side frame members each containing inner and outer confronting spaced tracks in said opening, D-shaped counterbalance means in said pairs of confronting tracks, and a pair of vertically slideable inner and outer sash members in said opening each including a sash frame formed of upper and lower horizontal sash members and a pair of vertical side sash members interconnecting said horizontal sash members, said lower horizontal sash member of said inner sash having an inner element cooperatively sealing with an element of said sill and having an outwardly spaced outer flange terminating above said bottom element to define a pressure equalizing slot therebetween, said side sash members of said inner sash being operatively received in respective ones of said inner pair of confronting tracks,

and a pair of filler plugs secured to opposite upper ends of said inner sash each having a D-shaped opening closely receiving a respective one of said D-shaped counterbalance means, said filler plugs each defining a weatherseal between a respective side sash member and a side frame member to prevent infiltration of air from said pressure equalizing slot entering through the space between said side sash members and said side frame members.

8. A vertically slideable operating window sash comprising a frame defining a sash opening and formed of horizontal frame members defining an upper head member and a sill member, and a pair of vertical side frame members interconnecting said horizontal frame members, said side frame members each containing inner and outer confronting spaced tracks in said opening, D-shaped counterbalance means in at least the inner pair of confronting tracks, and a pair of inner and outer sash members in said opening each including a sash frame formed of upper and lower horizontal sash members and a pair of vertical side sash members interconnecting said horizontal sash members, said lower horizontal sash member of said inner sash having an inner element cooperatively sealing with an element of said sill and having an outwardly spaced element defining pressure equalizing means with said inner element, said side sash members of said inner sash being operatively received in respective ones of said inner pair of confronting tracks, and a pair of filler plugs secured to opposite upper ends of said inner sash each having a D-shaped opening closely receiving a respective one of said D-shaped counterbalance means, said filler plugs each defining a weatherseal between a respective side sash member and a side frame member to prevent infiltration of air from said pressure equalizing means entering through the space between said side sash members and said side frame members.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,599,196 6/1952 Peremi '49-406 3,105,576 10/1963 Jones et al. 49-414 X FOREIGN PATENTS 388,834 3/1933 Great Britain.

DAVID J. WILLIAMOWSKY, Primary Examiner.

J. K. BELL, Assistant Examiner. 

3. AN OPERATING WINDOW ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FRAME DEFINING A SASH OPENING INCLUDING A LOWER SILL MEMBER, INNER SEALING GASKET MEANS SECURED TO SAID SILL MEMBER, A SASH PORTION IN SAID OPENING OPERATIVELY ASSOCIATED WITH SAID FRAME AND INCLUDING A LOWER HORIZONTAL SASH MEMBER HAVING AN INNER ELEMENT ADAPTED TO SEAT AGAINST SAID SEALING MEANS, AN OUTWARDLY SPACED OUTER VERTICAL FLANGE ELEMENT TERMINATING ABOVE SAID SILL MEMBER TO DEFINE A PRESSURE EQUALIZING SLOT THEREBETWEEN, AND AN INWARDLY AND DOWNWARDLY EXTENDING WEB ELEMENT EXTENDING FROM THE INNER SURFACE OF SAID OUTER VERTICAL FLANGE ELEMENT AND TERMINATING ABOVE SAID SILL MEMBER. 